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As if we needed another reason to tune in to this season of American Horror Story, Lady Gaga is officially in the building. This time around, our favorite cast members are shacking up in the eeriest inn we've seen since Psycho: the Hotel Cortez. With director Ryan Murphy behind the magic once again, we're sure this season will be a top-notch creep fest.
Since the Oct. 7 premiere is just around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with an American Horror Story-themed viewing party? (Or even better — a Halloween bash!) Here are 13 things you'll need to make it the most horrific night your guests will ever want to have.
Hotel-Themed Invitations
Image Source: Chelsea Pellegrino
Creative invites are key, and in this case, they can actually be keys. These mock-key invitations are the perfect way to introduce your party theme. Head to your local craft store and pick up antique-looking paper. Simply print out your invites, cut them out in a room key shape, and send to your friends.
Use a vintage neon sign to let guests know there’s plenty of room at your “hotel” — as long as they don’t plan on checking out anytime soon. Real neon vacancy signs can be pricey, so try crafting your own with rope lights. Tape the lights right inside your window so guests can see from the street.
Here’s an easy way to add a unique and creepy touch to your hotel: simply take some black foam board and use white lettering to let the guests know exactly what they’re in for in each room of your “hotel.” Take it a step further by antiquing an old frame and hanging your lobby directory in the entry way.
One of the best parts of staying in a hotel is the room service, but the same can’t be said about Hotel Cortez. Create a room service cart by throwing a stained old sheet or table cloth over your bar cart. Set the cart with burned out black candles and a plate full of horrific hors d'oeuvres, like these brain bites.
Unless you’re lucky enough to have a real elevator, there will be no Tower of Terror moments here. However, you can fool guests with a closet door and just a few tools. Cover your door with brown postal paper, then use an old room divider to create the antique elevator gate. Add an old-school floor indicator on top, and don’t forget the “Out of Service” sign!
Look to “Towhead,” one of the new AHS Hotel teasers, for the perfect creepy group costume idea. For this, all you’ll need are old-fashioned black and white clothes. Girls can wear a black dress with a white collared shirt underneath, and guys can stick to a white button-down, black shorts, black jacket, and black tie. Paint everyone’s faces a ghostly white and blacken your eyes. Top off your ensemble with crazy white hair.
Just because the theme of this party is AHS Hotel doesn’t mean you can’t dig deeper into past seasons of the show. Jessica Lange has always been a fan favorite, so why not pay her homage? We suggest her character Fiona Goode from AHS Coven as a great option. Dress in a black skirt, peplum top, and black tights. Accessorize with black leather gloves, cat-eye sunglasses, and the classic black umbrella.
In AHS Freak Show, Dandy’s character ended up being one of the most terrifying of all. Dressing as Dandy is simple and quick: all you need is a preppy '50s-themed outfit. Think thick pinstripes, a neck scarf, and loafers. Part your hair down the center and curl the ends of your hair in towards each other. Finalize your Dandy look with pink blush, mascara, and a bit of pink chapstick. This will add to Dandy’s creepy “little kid” vibe.
If you want to go all out for your party (and who doesn’t?!), we suggest hiring a professional face painter or special effects artist. A face painting pro can help you create looks such as Tate’s murderous skull look or even Twisty’s insane clown face. With the help of a special effects artist, you can really turn up the scare factor by re-creating the haunting face we see in the AHS Hotel teaser “Do Not Disturb.” We guarantee your guests will be talking about this look for years to come!
Celebrate the introduction of Hypodermic Sally by serving up some boozy syringes. This is an easy way to turn up the fear factor for your party. Buy plastic syringes at any convenience store or in bulk on Amazon. Prepare Jell-O shots as normal, fill your syringes, then refrigerate.
Here are some ideas for other creepy cocktails to serve:
The Countess — This season’s leading lady is known to drink blood, so tint any of your favorite drinks a deep red with food coloring. Rim each glass with edible silver glitter to add a slight nod to The Countess’s silver glove.
Dark and Dingy — Add a ghastly twist to the classic Dark and Stormy. Try layering black vodka and ginger beer to make a dingy-looking liquid.
No party is complete without food. Ideas can range from simply boiling hot dogs and cutting a fake nail and knuckle into the skin to make them look like severed fingers, to “blood and bones” (marinara and breadsticks).
We all know there can be downtime at any party, especially one with frequent commercial breaks. To keep your guests on their toes throughout the night, hire off-the-wall entertainment. Anything from a sword swallower to a tarot card reader to a contortionist can add a unique twist to your party.
Last but not least, shock your friends with Mother Monster herself. (Or at least an impressive look-alike — find one here). Lady Gaga is sure to be the life of your party, and will have everyone asking you for a premiere party every season!
